Resila Onyango: Trailblazer who struggled to speak for police

Resila Atieno Onyango entered the National Police Service (NPS) as a trailblazer, making history as the first female officer in the service to earn a doctorate degree.

With a glittering academic record and a reputation for brilliance, she seemed destined for success in any role she undertook. Yet, her two-year stint as NPS spokesperson has drawn mixed reviews, with many describing her tenure as lackluster.

In a recent wave of police reshuffle, Onyango was reassigned as the Commandant of the Diplomatic Police Unit, making way for Michael Nyaga Muchiri, the former Kiambu County Police Commander, to take over as the new NPS spokesperson.

“She’s an excellent and selfless officer, but the title of spokesperson didn’t quite fit her. She carried a conservative approach, which I think didn’t align with the demands of such a tumultuous role,” observed George Musamali, a security consultant.

Onyango’s appointment as NPS spokesperson in November 2022 followed the departure of Bruno Shioso, a seasoned detective turned media-savvy communicator. During her tenure, public perception of her effectiveness remained lukewarm, as reflected in the opinions of ordinary Kenyans.

“I have never heard of her,” admitted Alex Karori, a sales executive in Nairobi.

“I know the name but couldn’t put a face to it,” added Lucy Otiende, a beautician.

“Her impact wasn’t widely felt,” observed Brenda Kemunto, a university student.

Unlike her predecessors—such as Charles Owino and Eric Kiraithe, who were known for their commanding presence and assertive articulation of police issues— Onyango took a markedly reserved approach.

“She rarely gave interviews, and when she did, her responses were cautious and calculated. She avoided controversial topics, even when directly pressed,” noted Musamali.

Her tenure coincided with some of the most challenging periods for the NPS, including the post-election protests, the Shakahola massacre, rampant banditry, the Gen Z protests, and the controversial Haiti police deployment.

Critics argue that she failed to assert herself as the voice of the police service during these crises.

“She faced tough situations, but as a spokesperson, you must rise to the occasion, especially in moments of national importance. Her voice was often missing in action,” Musamali added.

But Onyango is no ordinary officer. Outside the force, she is a preacher and a prominent figure in religious circles.

“We know her as Pastor Resila. She’s a woman of faith and is highly respected in our church,” said one of her followers.

Onyango, who originally trained as a teacher at Moi University, has often spoken about her unconventional journey into the police service.

“I always knew I would become a cop later in life,” she shared in a past interview. “I studied education, but when the opportunity to join the police came, I took it without hesitation.”

Muchiri, her successor, now faces the task of reinvigorating the NPS communication office.

“We hope he’ll bring energy to the role and address the growing communication gap between the police and the public,” said Chris Otieno, security expert.

During her tenure, Onyango’s measured and reserved style stood out, but some felt it lacked the dynamism needed in such a sensitive role.

“To be fair, she took office during challenging times, particularly during the Gen Z protests,” noted a journalist who worked closely with her.

Zipporah Gatiria Mboroki, was the first woman to hold the position, serving from 2014 to 2015. While her tenure was brief, her presence highlighted the evolving role of women in the police service.

Onyango now exits as Muchiri steps into a high-pressure role with public expectations to revamp the relationship between the NPS and Kenyans.

“His challenge will be to rebuild trust, improve communication, and present a confident public face for the police,” Otieno said.

Onyango obtained her PhD in Criminal Justice from the Graduate Center, John Jay College of Criminal Justice at The City University of New York in 2013.

Prior to this, she completed her Master’s degree in Criminology at the University of Pennsylvania, USA, under the Ford Foundation International Fellowships Programme.

After graduating from Moi University with a degree in Education, she joined the police and underwent initial police training at the Kenya Police College in Kiganjo, where she left a mark as the Best Overall Female Recruit during her time.

In a service where communication is often as crucial as operations on the ground, the NPS spokesperson plays a pivotal role and eyes will remain on the new office holder and whether he can bridge the gap and elevate the role to meet the expectations of a scrutinizing public.